The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports Milwaukee Brewers P Andy Pratt, recently claimed off waivers from the Chicago Cubs, was assigned to Double-A Huntsville. He has been guaranteed an invite to spring training for 2005 by MAN Ned Yost.

Paul Sullivan of The Chicago Tribune reports Chicago Cubs general manager Jim Hendry is not concerned deep down with P Andy Pratt's struggles at Triple-A Iowa (0-3, 15.00 ERA). "I think he felt like he had a big chance right away, as though he disappointed himself, disappointed me, disappointed his father," Hendry said. "I think he's going through some of that, which he doesn't need to. He's 23 years old with quality stuff and a good kid. We're optimistic he'll figure it out over time."

Chicago Cubs P Glendon Rusch threw five shutout innings Saturday for Triple-A Iowa, according to The Chicago Tribune. Rusch may be in line to replace P Andy Pratt, who has walked five hitters in only 1 2/3 innings.

The Chicago Tribune's Paul Sullivan reports the loss of Chicago Cubs RP Mike Remlinger for an indefinite period was a prime reason why the team acquired P Andy Pratt from the Atlanta Braves on Thursday. "We felt Andy was a guy who could really help us, not only now but in the future," Cubs general manager Jim Hendry said.

Updating a previous item, Sports Network reports Chicago Cubs P Andy Pratt, who was acquired from the Atlanta Braves as part of the deal that sent P Juan Cruz south, was one of Atlanta's top minor league prospects. He is a 24-year-old left-handed pitcher, and he led the International League with 161 strikeouts in 156 innings in 2003 while producing a 3.40 ERA.